Port Honduras Marine Reserve is a national park in Toledo District in Belize.
background
history
This region, which was only declared a nature reserve in 2000, covers no less than 847 km². The supporting companies here are the Belize Fisheries Department and the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE), which itself was only founded in 1997 on a voluntary basis. In the meantime, this organization has numerous voluntary helpers as well as 20 permanent employees and is committed to protecting nature Toledo District written on the flag.
landscape
In addition to a long coastline and reef region, there are also around 135 islands. Of these, however, only 10% can show real land. Most of them are mangrove islands.
Flora and fauna
There are numerous coral beds in this area. Some damage was caused by the earthquake in May 2009, but most of them are in good condition. In general, the coral reefs have grown since 2000, which is seen as a good sign. However, the intensive protective measures have not been able to prevent the fish and lobster stocks from continuing to decline significantly since 2000 due to illegal fishing. But despite all this, the diversity is enormous, especially in the coral reef areas. But the seagrass meadows near the coast also attract numerous sea creatures such as turtles and sea cows.
climate
The water temperatures drop to 24 ° C in November and rise to 31 ° C in July / August.
getting there
| location | ||
| ||
The Marine Reserve is a water area and can therefore logically be reached by boat. There is no alternative. The ideal starting point is here Punta Gorda. There are numerous organizers of excursions in this area, most of which can be booked directly through the accommodation.
Fees / permits
mobility
Tourist Attractions
- Abalone Caye. Ranger station with observation tower.
- Wild Cane Caye. One of the largest Mayan seaports. From the early classic to the late post-classic, goods from the mainland were loaded onto the coastal trade routes. Only when the Spaniards cut these trade routes was this port abandoned.
- Snake Cayes. Fantastic beaches and a snorkeling paradise. In total, this group of islands, the name of which is derived from a boa constrictor population, consists of 4 islands.
- West Snake Caye. The most popular bathing island. Here is a large "palapa" (a large open hut with a palm roof) to offer an escape from the sun. There is also a 7.5 meter high tower here. From here, rangers often monitor the region to stop poachers.
- Middle Snake Caye
- East Snake Caye. This island is closed to the public for nature conservation reasons.
- South Snake Caye
activities
- Swimming - and snorkeling is of course a must in the crystal clear water. Water temperatures between 24 ° C and 31 ° C also provide the necessary security against hypothermia.
to buy
kitchen
accommodation
There is no overnight accommodation directly in the Marine Reserve, but in Punta Gorda (Belize) there are many possibilities to be found.
